Celebrating her five-year anniversary as a Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise owner in Lansing, Michigan, Amy Kanouse reflects on a journey filled with meaningful connections and impactful service. Having previously spent 15 years in banking, Kanouse’s career shift into home care was inspired by her interactions with seniors in the bank, as well as personal experiences navigating care for her grandparents. When she discovered an opportunity to purchase an existing Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise, she took the leap, drawn to the brand's mission of fostering dignity and independence for seniors. Five years later, the franchise has become a vital resource for helping local seniors in Ingham, Clinton, Eaton and Ionia counties age comfortably in their homes.

While Kanouse provides outstanding service to seniors through her franchise, she is committed to hiring older adults who are often overlooked by other employers. “One of our most significant contributions [over the last five years] is our focus on hiring older adults, which has been a huge positive for the community,” she said. “Many of our employees are older individuals who might not find work elsewhere, so it’s rewarding to provide that opportunity.”

This hiring approach has created jobs for numerous seniors in her service area, helping them stay active and connected to their community. Additionally, Kanouse has built partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), enabling local veterans to access the home care benefits they deserve, further reinforcing her franchise's impact in Lansing.

The relationships Kanouse has formed with her clients and their families highlight the profound effect her business has on the lives of those it serves. She recalled a particularly touching story of a client who, with the help of Seniors Helping Seniors®, was able to remain in her beloved home until her final days. For Kanouse, these moments underscore the purpose behind her work and continue to motivate her to expand her franchise’s positive impact across the four counties she serves. As she looks toward the future, Kanouse plans to deepen her service within her community, creating opportunities for both clients and caregivers alike.

Kanouse recently sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss her five-year anniversary as a Seniors Helping Seniors® franchisee and the positive impact her business has had on her local community. Here’s what she had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Amy Kanouse: Prior to joining Seniors Helping Seniors®, I worked in banking for about 15 years. I started as a bank manager and eventually moved into HR. Throughout my career, I enjoyed working with the senior clients who came to the bank. I saw firsthand how many of them needed assistance but didn't have it, often due to financial constraints. I also experienced the challenge of finding quality care for my grandparents, which planted a seed in me to explore the home care industry. After researching various franchises, I discovered that a Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise in my area was available for sale. I liked the idea of purchasing an established business instead of starting from scratch, and I was drawn to the mission of Seniors Helping Seniors®. It felt like the right choice, so I took the leap — and it has worked out wonderfully.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Kanouse: Initially, I thought franchising would provide me with valuable support and resources, which felt reassuring compared to starting a business from the ground up. Seniors Helping Seniors® has certainly lived up to that expectation by offering strong support from the corporate office. I don’t know if every franchise offers the same level of support, but for me, having that backing has been invaluable.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Kanouse: The biggest reason I chose Seniors Helping Seniors® is its alignment with my personal values, especially integrity and honesty. I appreciate that their model emphasizes serving seniors while also hiring seniors to care for others. This focus aligns well with my leadership style and values, and I felt it would allow me to contribute meaningfully to my community.

1851: Tell us about the positive impact your Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise has had in your community over the past five years.

Kanouse: One of our most significant contributions is our focus on hiring older adults, which has been a huge positive for the community. Many of our employees are older individuals who might not find work elsewhere, so it's rewarding to provide that opportunity. We also partner with the VA to serve veterans, helping them receive the benefits they qualify for to support their home care needs. Additionally, we volunteer with various community organizations, further connecting and supporting the people in our area.

1851: Can you share a memorable story or experience about making a difference in the lives of your clients?

Kanouse: One story that stands out is of a client who wanted to remain in her home, though her children lived out of state. We initially started with weekly housekeeping, but as her health declined, our services grew to provide her with 24/7 care. It allowed her to stay in her home, a place she loved, until she passed. 

Another memorable experience was when I received a call from a client’s sister after her passing. She thanked us for the compassionate care we provided and said it made a meaningful difference in her sister's final days. It was heartwarming to know we had positively impacted her life.

1851: What are your plans going forward for your Seniors Helping Seniors franchise? Any plans for growth?

Kanouse: Right now, I serve four counties: Clinton, Ingham, Eaton and Ionia. My plan is to continue focusing on these areas, growing our client base and serving them with compassion. Expanding beyond these counties or out of state isn’t in my current plans, as I feel there is still plenty of opportunity within my existing service area.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Kanouse: I want people to know that you don’t need a medical background to succeed in this industry. With the right values, business skills and a commitment to integrity and compassion, anyone can thrive in this field. Franchising in home care has been incredibly rewarding and it's fulfilling to make a difference in people’s lives.

ABOUT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS®

Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise system was founded by husband-and-wife duo Kiran and Philip Yocom. Kiran, who grew up in India, later worked to advance humanitarian efforts alongside Mother Teresa. After Kiran moved to the U.S. in 1995 and married her husband Philip, the Yocoms felt called to provide loving care to seniors and to cultivate an exchange of gifts at every generational level. Together, the Yocoms founded Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services in 1998, opening the brand up to franchising in 2006. With a mission to be the most respected and rewarding homecare provider in the U.S., Seniors Helping Seniors® locations stand apart from competitors as the only company that prioritizes hiring active seniors to provide care services to their less-active counterparts. Seniors Helping Seniors® service aligns caregivers and care recipients based on the abilities and needs of both by offering a wide range of care services. Seniors Helping Seniors® network has grown to 200-plus locations, 125 franchise partners in 30-plus states and international markets. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit seniorshelpingseniors.com.